Valentine’s Day in London

Ideas for a special valentine’s day in London

London, the city of love, offers a myriad of romantic experiences perfect for a Valentine’s Day getaway. From elegant dinners to charming strolls along the Thames, there’s something for every couple. Here are some of my Valentine’s Day ideas for a perfect date afternoon or night in London. I hope to cover all types of dates and not just the conventional dinner.

Breakfast and Lunch Spots

• The Wolseley: This grand European-style cafe is a London institution, perfect for a sophisticated breakfast. Indulge in classic dishes like Eggs Benedict or smoked salmon and scrambled eggs in a beautiful setting reminiscent of a Viennese cafe. The elegant atmosphere, plush velvet seating, and high ceilings create a sense of occasion and old-world glamour.
• The Delaunay: Sister restaurant to The Wolseley, The Delaunay offers a similar grand cafe experience with a focus on Central European cuisine. Enjoy a Viennese breakfast with pastries, cured meats, and cheeses, or opt for something more substantial like their signature kedgeree. The beautiful interior, reminiscent of a grand Budapest cafe, transports you to another time and place.
• Charlotte Street Hotel: This stylish boutique hotel in Fitzrovia offers a delicious breakfast in their elegant Oscar Bar & Restaurant. Enjoy a continental breakfast spread or choose from their a la carte menu with dishes like buttermilk pancakes and avocado toast. The intimate and stylish setting, with its cozy corners and plush furnishings, is perfect for a romantic tête-à-tête.

An Active Date

• Bouldering: a fantastic way to challenge yourselves both physically and mentally. This partner activity requires communication, trust, and a bit of friendly competition as you navigate colourful climbing routes. A private lesson could be just the romantic touch for this valentines.
• Axe Throwing: channel your inner Viking and try your hand at axe throwing. This exhilarating activity is surprisingly therapeutic and a guaranteed laugh. Many venues offer instructors to help you perfect your throw and even set up some friendly competition.
• Indoor Rollerblading: Glide hand-in-hand (or race each other!) at one of London’s indoor roller rinks. This nostalgic activity is a fun way to get your heart racing and show off your skills (or lack thereof!).

A Wellbeing Date

• Private sauna for two: Detoxify and relax in an intimate sauna session. Sweating it out together is a great way to release tension and improve circulation. Some of the saunas offer spa packages that include lunch too! Check out my blog post on saunas in London.
• Meditation and Mindfulness: Find your inner peace with a guided meditation. This is a wonderful way to connect with yourselves and each other on a deeper level. There are many sessions being run throughout London during the day and evenings. Best bet is to check on http://www.eventbrite.co.uk for a meditation class near you.
• Ecstatic Dance Session: Let loose and express yourselves through free-form movement at an ecstatic dance session. This liberating practice encourages you to connect with your body, your emotions, and the music in a non-judgmental space.
• Yoga session overlooking the city skyline: This is a fantastic way to stretch your bodies, calm your minds, and enjoy breathtaking views.

A Romantic Dinner Date for all budgets

• La Petite Auberge (Islington): This charming French bistro in Islington offers a taste of Paris without breaking the bank. Enjoy classic French dishes like steak frites and onion soup in a cozy and romantic setting. Expect to spend around £20-£30 per person.
• Tamila (Kings Cross): From the people behind The Tamil Crown and The Tamil Prince. The downstairs bar area can be an incredibly romantic spot to drink delicious cocktails and enjoy very tasty South Indian food. Expect to spend around £30 per person (maybe more if you get drinks).
• Naughty Piglets (Brixton): This small, atmospheric bistro and bar offers a seasonal menu with international influences. It’s a great option for a date night with a focus on delicious food and a relaxed but intimate atmosphere. Expect to spend around £25 per person (not including drinks).
• Campania (Hackney): This rustic Italian restaurant offers a range of homemade pasta dishes, pizzas, and small plates. It’s a great option for a casual and affordable date night, with prices around £25 per person.
• The Barbary (Covent Garden and Notting Hill): This petite eatery offers small plates with Berber-style flavours served at a bar by a central kitchen. It’s a great option for a trendy date night, with prices around £40 per person.
• Clos Maggiore (Covent Garden): This romantic restaurant is known for its exquisite French cuisine and elegant atmosphere. It’s a perfect choice for a special occasion and can be quite pricey, with prices starting at around £100 per person.

A Romantic Drink

• 69 Colebrooke Row (North): This intimate Islington bar is a true hidden gem. Known for its innovative and expertly crafted cocktails, 69 Colebrooke Row offers a sophisticated and romantic setting with low lighting, cozy booths, and a speakeasy vibe.
• Nine Lives (South): Modern house cocktails & craft beer poured in a stylish, greenery-lined space with a tropical vibe. Their name Nine Lives refers to an ethos of salvation – unveiled treasures, nothing wasted, everything lovingly sourced & selected with intention.
• Satan’s Whiskers (East): This Bethnal Green bar is a local favourite with a cool and quirky atmosphere. They offer a wide range of creative cocktails, craft beers, and natural wines, along with a tasty food menu.
• Renegade Bar (East): Located in Bethnal Green, this urban distillery and cocktail bar offers a unique experience. Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails made with their own spirits in a stylish industrial setting.
• Gordon’s Wine Bar (Central): This historic wine bar near Embankment is a London institution. Descend into the candlelit vaults and enjoy a wide selection of wines from around the world, along with cheese and charcuterie boards.
• The Blind Pig (Soho): This hidden speakeasy above the Social Eating House offers a sophisticated and intimate setting with expertly crafted cocktails.
• Happiness Forgets (Hoxton): This basement bar in Hoxton is known for its intimate atmosphere, great music, and delicious cocktails.
• Evans & Peel Detective Agency (South West): Step back in time to the 1920s at this prohibition-themed bar. You’ll need to provide a “case” to gain entry, adding an element of fun and intrigue to your date. Inside, enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in a dimly lit, speakeasy atmosphere.
• The Pelican (Notting Hill): This charming pub offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with a selection of British and European dishes. It’s a great option for a casual date night or a pre-dinner drink.

Alternative Date Ideas

• Migrateful: This wonderful organisation hosts cooking lessons led by refugees and migrants struggling to find employment in the UK. You and your date can enjoy a delicious meal from a different culture while supporting a fantastic cause. It’s a great way to experience new flavours, learn about different cultures, and make a positive impact.
• Life Drawing Class: For a truly immersive artistic experience, try your hand at live model drawing. This classic art form allows you to hone your observational skills and translate the beauty of the human form onto paper. You can find these events on http://www.eventbrite.co.uk and they are often happening throughout the week across London. The Royal Drawing School offers Saturday drop-ins.
• Dance Lesson: London’s dance scene is as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, you’ll find a class and type of dance to suit your style and skill level. Each dance style seems to have a website that lists all the events taking place across London, for example here are a list of Salsa and Swing events.